| Luigi Macaluso | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 9, 1948 Turin, Italy |
| Died | October 27, 2010 (aged 62) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Spouse | Monica |
| Children | Stefano, Massimo, Anna, Margherita |
Luigi "Gino" Macaluso (9 June 1948-27 October 2010) was the President and Chairman of the Sowind group, under whose roof a watch Manufacture and the two Brands Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard are united. Since the long-term strategic cooperation agreement signed with PPR in June 2008, he has also joined the Gucci Group Management Committee and the Boucheron Board of Directors.
Contents |
He was born in Turin, Italy, on 9 June 1948. He founded one of the major watch wholesaling company in Italy in 1982 (Blancpain, Breitling, Hamilton). In 1987, he became the Italian distributor of Girard-Perregaux, a company with a history going back over more than 200 years. Created in Geneva in 1791 and then based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Girard-Perregaux draws on a savoir-faire firmly embedded in tradition. Its Tourbillon with three Gold Bridges is a landmark in the history of Swiss watchmaking. In 1989, he joined the Company's board of Directors. On 15 September 1992, he took over Girard-Perregaux.[1] Under his leadership, the firm has refined its strategy, with a focus on the high-end segment.[2]
Firmly convinced of the value of a genuine Manufacture, he has stood behind the development of an integrated production strategy. With his modern eye and his knowledge of architecture – he held a degree in the field– he has been closely involved in the design of the Brand’s creations.
Macaluso was President of the AIHH (Fine watchmaking Professional Association) in 1999, 2001 and 2004. Sowind Group (Girard-Perregaux and JEANRICHARD) has issued a statement announcing that its Chairman, Luigi Macaluso, has unexpectedly died at age 62 after suffering a heart attack. Luigi, known as “Gino” by those closest to him, was married to Monica and was the father of four children, Stefano, Massimo, Anna and Margherita. More than 10 years ago, his two sons joined him at the head of the Sowind Group.
An architect, former motor racing driver and visionary entrepreneur, he had been behind the wheel of Girard-Perregaux since 1992. A firm believer in the value of an authentic Haute Horlogerie Manufacture, he pioneered the development of an integrated production strategy. A charismatic leader, he was able to make Sowind Group an essential player in Swiss Haute Horlogerie.
Stefano Macaluso and Massimo Macaluso will strive to perpetuate his vision for this company of which he was so fond, and to continue the many projects that he had initiated with passion.
In 1998, Luigi Macaluso was awarded the Gaia Prize for the entrepreneurship category, the highest distinction within the Swiss watchmaking world, attributed by the Musée International de l'Horlogerie.
In 2008, he was appointed a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In 2009, he was appointed a Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour.
Motor racing has played and continues to play a pivotal role in his life.[3] In 1972, he won the title of European Rally Champion as co-driver to Raffaele Pinto in a Fiat 124 Sport Spider. In 1985, he joined the Club Italia, a not-for-profit organization promoting the Italian historic car patrimony and over which he presides. In 2001, he was elected President of the CSAI, the Italian Motor Sport Federation. He is currently President of the FIA’s Karting Commission and sits on the FIA World Council.